A scientific analysis has debunked claims of a miracle after red marks appeared on a communion wafer at a Catholic church in Indiana.
The incident, which occurred at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Morris, prompted a formal investigation by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
However, the archdiocese announced Monday that a biochemical analysis revealed the marks were caused by “fungus and three different species of bacteria, all of which are commonly found on human hands.”
The analysis confirmed that no blood was present on the wafer.
The Catholic faith teaches that wine and a bread wafer signify the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Typically, they’re consecrated by a priest at Mass.
The host, or bread, with red marks had fallen out of a Mass kit at St. Anthony Church.
“Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, there have been well-documented miracles and apparitions, and each has been thoroughly and carefully reviewed,” the archdiocese said.
Before the analysis, some members of St. Anthony Church were excited about what might be found.
“We have such a little town. You can drive through and blink and you’re through it,” Shari Strassell, a church member, told WKRC-TV.
“It means the world, it does, and I think there is something special about our church up here.”
Source: independent.co.uk